What should happen when I see a healthcare professional about GAD?

Information for the public

When you see any healthcare professional about your symptoms, they should ask you what kinds of worries you have, how you feel and how your worries are affecting your everyday life.

They may then ask you:

whether any physical health problems are related to your worries and anxious feelings
whether any treatments you have had before for GAD have helped you
whether you have or have had any other mental health problem
whether you have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

Your healthcare professional should respect your confidentiality, privacy and dignity at all times. They should build a relationship with you based on openness and understanding. Throughout your care they should discuss with you the treatment you would prefer.

You should also be told about local and national self-help groups, support groups and helplines for people with GAD where you can talk to people with similar experiences.

Questions you could ask your healthcare team

What is GAD?
What are the treatments for GAD?
Who can provide my treatment?
Who can I contact in a crisis?
Do you have any information for my family/carers?